Minutes of a preliminary meeting of the delegates, elected by the various districts of British Columbia [microform] : convened at Yale pursuant to the following call : "Yale convention"

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Minutes of a Prelimin Meeting f the Delegates, elected by the
various Districts of Britieh Ce smbis. convened at Yale. aor
suant to the following call:—

“YALE CONVENTION.

66°T HE Confederation League propose holding at Yale, un Monday, 14th

September.1868, » Convention of Delegates, for the purpose of acceler-
ating the admission ot this Colony into the Dominion of Canada, upon equit-
ible and beneficial terms; and, also, to devise means to secure Representative
Institutions with Responsible Government for this Colony ; and to take such
otier steps as the Convention may deem proper to obtiia redress tor the nu-
merous grievances under which this country now suffers.

* The Inhabitants of the respective Districts of the Colony are invited to
elect Delegates without delay to represent their views in the above Con-
vention. By order of the Executive Committee,

“ROBERT BEAVEN,
‘¢6Secretary.”

The following Gentlemen were present :

Messrs. Wallace, Robson, DeCosmos, Firher, Baruard, Black,
Evans, Norris, McMillan, Thompson, Featherstone, Gibbs,

Babbitt, Withrow, Armstrong, Miller, Smith, Holbrook,

Rose, Nelson, Havelock, Fulton, MeLardy, wrouse, King.

-* Moved by Mr. Barnard, seconded by Mr. Robson: That Mr.

Wallace take the Chair pro tem.—Carried.

Moved by Mr. Barnard, seconded by Mr. Nelson: That Mr.
&thas. Evans be Secretary pro. tem.—Carried.

Moved by Mr. DeCosmnos: That a Committee on credentials,
consisting of three, be appointed; which Committee shall sug-
gest what offices are necessary for the purposes of the Conven-
tion. Sveonded by Mr. McMillan and carried.

The Chairman appointed as Committee on credentials, Messrs.
Barnard, Thompson, and Babbitt. Beate

Moved by Mr. DeCosmos, seconded by Dr. Black: That an in-
termission till the call of the Chairman be allowed for the Comn-
mittee on credentials to report. —Carried

On the Chairman resuming his seat, the Committee on creden-
tials presented the following Report, and asked leave to sit
again:

eThe Comnittee appointed to examine credentials report the
following Gentlemen qualified to sit in this Convention :

Messrs. lt. Wallace, Amor DeCosmos, (Victoria); Brause, (Lake
La Hache); Henry Holbrook, John Robson, A. W.S. Black,
David Withrow, (New Westminster City); Alex. Rose (Yale
District); D. W. Miller, (New Westminster District); NR.
Smith, (Lytton District); Chas. Kvans, Adam McLardy,

Heury Havelock, (Yale); Jas. E. McMillan, J. G. Norris,

(Victoria); M. W. Gibbs, (Salt Spring Islend); FE. H. Babbitt,

eed

W. ©. King, (Cariboo); J. C. Armstrong, (Quesnel Mouth);
F. J. Barnard, (Williams Lake); Thos. Fulton, (Metchosin );
H. Featherstone, (Lillooet); J. B. ‘Thompson, W. Fisher, (Ks-
quimalt); Hugh Nelson, (Burrard inlet); James Donnelley,
(Harrison River).

The Committee recommend the election of the following Of-
ficers for this Convention, viz.,

A Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, Two Secretaries, a -Sargeant-at-
Arms, a Standing Committee on Business, to consist of five
members.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

FJ. Barnann,
Chairman.

Moved by Mr. Robson, seconded by Mr. DeCosmos: That Re-
port of Committee on eredentials be received.—Carried.,

Moved by Mr. DeCosmos: That the Committee on business
be seven instead of five.—Carried.

Moved by Mr. Robson: ‘That so much of the Report as relat-
ed toa Vice-Cliairman be rejected.—Carried.

The Report of the Committe on Business was then adopted
as amended,

Moved by Mr. Barnard, seconded by Mr. Norms: That Mr.
Wallace be Chairman of the Convention.—Carried

Moved by Mr. Robson, seconded by Mr. Thompson: That
Messrs. Havelock and Evans act as Secretaries. —Carricd.

Moved by Mr. Barnard, seconded by Mr. MeLardy : That Mr.
Barlow be engaged to act as Sergeant-at-Arms.—Carried,

The Chairman then declared the Convention open for the
transaction of Business.

‘Phe Chairman appointed Messrs. Havelock, Babbitt, DeCos-
mos, Robson, Thompson, MeMillan, and the Chairman, as Com-
mittee on Business.

Moved by Mr. Norris, seconded by Mr. Barnard: That the
Convention adjourn till 1 p.m.

ADJOURNED MERTING.,

Convention met at 1 p.m.

Mr. Wallace in the Chair.

Present: Messrs. Robson, DeCosmos, Fisher, Black, Evans,
Norris, McMillan, ‘Thompson, Barnard, Featherstone, Gibbs,
Babbitt, Withrow, Armstrong, Miller, Smith, Holbrook, Rose,
Nelson, Havelock, Fulton, McLardy, King, Brouse.

The Committee on Business presented their Report and asked
leave to sit again,

Moved by Mr. Barnard, seconded by Mr. Norris: ‘That the
Report of the Committee on Business be received.

PPT NT ae Se ae ee

snel Mouth);
(Metchosin);
_ Fisher, (Ks-
s Donnelley,

ollowing Of-

Sargeant-at-
nsist of five

ARNARD,
Shairman.
s: That Re-
‘ied,

ov business

ort us relat-
en adopted
>: That Mr.
son: That
ried.

+ That Mr.
tried,

pen for the

itt, DeCos-
in, as Com-

: That the

ick, Evans,
ne, Gibbs,
vol, Rose,
Pand asked

That the

3

Moved by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. DeVosmos: That
this Convention resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, for
consideration of the Report of the Committee on Business.—
Carried.

The Chairwan then appointed Dr. Brouse as Chairman of
Committee, and left the Chair.

On the Chairman resuming the Chair, Dr. Brouse reported
the following fifteen Resolutions :

Whereas THis ConveNTION ; composed of Delegates representing different
constituencies, has—at the general popular desire and after due and ampie
public notice—been convened at Yale, British Columbia, this September 14th,
1868, by the cail of the Confederate League, and by the authority of the peo-
ple of British Columbia in the respective districts declared, to give a full, un-
prejudiced and anited expression of their views and feelings respecting the
desirability of the admission of this Colony into the Dominion of Canada, the
necessity for the immedjiate establishment of representative institutions with
Responsible Government, and generally as to the state, wants and wishes of the
country ;

And whereas this Convention is duly impressed with the high, responsible
and patriotic duties thit their Fellow-countrymen have called on them to dis-
charge, and cherishes the most ardent and devoted loyalty to Her Most Gra-
cions Majesty the Queen, and attachment to British Institutions ;

And Whereas it is expedient to resoive and declare what in its opinion is
right and proper in the premises. This Convention, therefore, in virtue of the
trust reposed in it, and with an honest and patriotic desire to promote the
public welfare, after dne deliberation, resolves and declares as follows :

[. That all Governments should exist by the free and just consent of the
governed, and that the Government that does not exist by the free and just
consent of the governed is a despotism That the Government of British Co-
lumbia does not exist by the free andjust consent of the governed, and is,
therefore,a Despotism. That it is unsuited tothe free British subjects of this
Colony. ‘Thnt it deprives the people of their rightful share in the Govern-
ment, a3 no Statute or Order in Council exists which guarantees to the people
the right to participate in the Government of the Colony ; but in the Legislat-
ive and Hxecutive Departments all are nominated or may be rejected, suspend-
ed or removed by the Governor of this Colony, That the ordinary conse-
quences of such «form of government are manifest in this Colony, in the dis-
regard of public opinion, in the neglect of public interests, in the high taxa-
tion, in the annual deficits, in the annually increased public debt, in expend-
ing large sums of public money in paying salaries disproportionate to the ser-
vices rendered, and in maintaining an unnecessarily large number of officials,
and in the tendency which the continuance of such: political evils have to
weaken the attachment of the people to the Crown and British connection.
That to such an extent have the evils of misgovernment multiplied that pro-
found, wide-spread, universal discontant prevails and is expressed at the form
of Government and at the manner in which the affairs of the Colony have
been and are mismanaged ; and that the people of British Columbia loudly
demand a REMEDY.

Il, That the proper remedy for the present political condition of the Colony
and the one that commends itselfas preferable to all others—being in harmo-
ny with Imperial policy and the legitimate aspirations and desires of tbe peo-
ple of this Colony—is the immediate admission of British Columbia into the
Dominion of Canada on terms equitable, expedient and beneficial, simultan
eously with the establishment ot Representative Institutions and Responsible

124102

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Government; and that, whether admission into the Dominion of Canada shall

occur or net, Representative Institutions and Responsible Government should 4

be inaugurated forthwith in British Columbia, j
IJI. That the terms of admission into the Dominion o,f Cunada that would be

equitable, expedient and beneficial to the Colony, in the opinion of this Con-

vention, are chiefly expressed in the following fifteen sections :—

1. The limits of British Columbia, on and after admission, to be the same as
at, present.

2. The Dominion of Canada to become liable for the Public Debt uf British
Columbia at the time of admission.

3. The Dominion of Canada to pay annually out of her Consolidated Reven-

au ue Fund, in semi-annual advaness, to British Columbia for the support of her
local Government and Legislature, the sum of $110,000, and also, an annual
Grant in aid of the Jocal Government of British Columbia, eqaal to Kighty

Cents per head of the population of British Columbia, the minimum number of

said population, including Indians, not to be estimated at less than 40,000 at

any time, and the increase of population after admission to be the increase of

population other than Indians, and the said increase of population to be deter-

4 mined by census or otherwise as may from time to time be expedient.

4, All Crown Lands, Mines, Minerals and Royalties situate in British Colum-
bia at the time of xdmission, and all sums of money then due or payable, or
that may afterwards accrue for such Crown Lands, Mines, Minerals and Royal-
ties to belong to British Columbia and to be under the exclusive control of its
Government and Legislature.

5 All Stocks, Cash, Bankers’ Balances and Securities for money belonging
to British Columbia, at the time of admission, to be the property of British
Columbia.

6G. All Public Works and Property of British Columbia at the time of ad- -~
mission, to belong to British Columbia, with the exception of such portions of
the Grand Trunk road through British Columbia, or other roads then construct.
ed, as may be nsed as a portion of the trans-continental road, which shail be-

come the property of the Federal Government.

| 7. The Dominion of Canada to coustruct within three yenrs after the admis-

sion of British Columbia, a good Overland Waggon Road, extending from

Lake Superior, Ontario, tothe head of navigation on the Lower Fraser river,

British Columbia, and to commence the construction of the sume through the

aa Rocky Mountains within one year after admission.

8. The Imperial Government to guarantee 2 Loan to construct the said Over-

land Road, if deemed expedient.

| 9. If at any time after admission the Legislature of British Columbia shall
pass an address tothe Governor-General of Canada declaring that it is exped-
ient to establish a Free Port on the Pacific, in order to advance the interests of
British commerce in the North Pacific, the Parliament of the Dominion to

make provision for the establishment of the same.

10. British Columbia to be represented in the Senate by not less than two
Members, and in the Commons by not less than three Members, at any time.

11, At the first election otf Representatives to the Commons and until other-
wise provided by the Parlinment of Canada, the Lieutenant-Governor of Brit-
ish Columoia to proclaim what shall be the qualif cations and disqualifications
of Representatives and Electors, the boundaries of EBlectoral Districts and the
laws governing such elections.

12. At the time of admission, the Revenue Laws of the Dominion of Cana-
da to extend and apply to British Columbia, and thereupon the Revenue Laws
of British Columbian thereby affected to be null and void, and all Duties and
Revenues derived in and from British Columbia under the Revenne Laws of

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anacla shall
ent shguld

t would be
f this Con-

he same as
| of British

ited Reven-
port of her
, an annual
il to Righty
number of
in 40,000 at
increase of
to he deter-
nt.

tish Colum-
payable, or
and Royal-
yntrol of its

y belonging
y of British

time of ad-
1 portions of
n constructs
ch shail be-

the admis-
ending from
Fraser river,
through the

le said Over-

umbia shall
it is exped-
interests of
Mominion to

ss than two
any time.

until other-
‘nor of Brit-
nalifications
icts and the

on of Cana-
venue Laws
1 Duties and
ne Laws of

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the Dominion of Canada to.belongto Canada.

13. The exclusive powers of Provincial Legislatures enumerated in the nine-

second Section “* ‘‘The British North America Act, 1867,” and all other

‘ovisions of the sad Act that extend and apply generally to the provinces of

ie Dominion of Canada and that may bo applicable to British Columbia, ex-
cept as otherwise in these terms provided, to extend and apply to British Col-
umbia, at and from the time of admission.

14, pt as otherwise provided, all Laws in force in British Columbia at
© time of admission, and ail Courts of Civil and Criminal Jurisdiction, and
all Legal Commissions, Powers aud Authorities, and all Ufficers, Judicial, Ad-
minis ve and Ministerial existing thercin at the time of admission to con-
tinue ia British Columbia as if such admission had not taken place; subject
névertheless to be repealed, abolished or altered by the Parliament of Canada
or by the Legislature of British Columbia, according to the authority of the

id Parliament or of the said Legislature, under ‘The British North America

ct, 1867,’ and any subsequent Imperial Act.

15. Until the Parliament of Canada provides otherwise, all Officers of Brit-
ish Columbia, at and from the time of admission, having duties to discharge
in relation to matters other than those coming within the Classes of subjects
assigned by ‘“‘The North America Act, 1867,’’ to the Provinces, to be Officers
of Danada,

. The Convention adjourned till 10.am., 15th September.

..Pursuaat to adjourninent, the Conveation met at 10 a. m., on
the 15th.

_ Moved by Mr. Babbitt, seconded by Mr. Smith: That the
reading of the Minutes of yesterday be deferred.—Carried.

» Lhe Secretary presented the Repurt of the Committee on Bu-
siness, and asked leave to sit again.

-'Moved by Mr. DeCosmos and seconded by Mr. Robson: That
Report of Committee be received.—Carried.

‘Moved by Mr. Barnard and seconded by Mr. Nelson: That
the Convention go into Committee of the Whole to consider Re-
port.of Business Committee.—Carried. .

‘Phe Chairman then a ore Dr. Brouse as Chairman of the
Committee and left the Chair.

On the Chairman resuming, Dr. Brouse reported the following
resolutions :—

. 0 Pbat'this Convention further resolves and declares :—

TV. That the people of British Columbia desire Representative Institutions:
with Responsible Government, and have the capacity to work those: {astitu-
tions successfully in the interest of the Colony; and that any representations
that bave’been or that may be made to the contrary in England or elsewhere, '
would neither be in accordance with facts nor the views of the people of this
Colony, the people being the best judges of their own affairs.

“W. That the establishment of Representative Institutions, without the sim-:

“sepa. Neb pe of Responsible Government, would be only a partial
and'very imperfect remedy for the evils produced by the preseut form of Gov-
etnment; and that unless the Governor were required to govern in accordance

hk the advice and consent of an Executive Council holding seats in the Le-
gislature, and commanding the confidence and support of a majority of the
representatives of the people, there would never be that degree of harmony
between the Executive and the representatives of the people that is essential

LE4iveg

6

to the successful working of the Government and tho rational contentment. of
the country. eC et
VI. That, whether admitted into the Dominion or not, the Legislature should
consist of s Governor and one Chamber called the Legislative Assembly; that
the members of the Assembly shonld be elected for a period of not more than
four years; that the sessions should be held annually; that members be paid
their rensonable expenses for a period not exceeding forty days in each session.
That the qualification for members be as follows :-—Being a male British gub-
ject of fall age, and possessing real or personal property, or both, of the val ry
of $500, That the qualification of electors be as follows:—1, A male Brit.
ish subject, or alien who has taken the cath of allegiance, 2, Residence in
the Colony one year, and in the District in which tke vote is. cast, three
months. 3. Possessed of real or personal property, or both, at the, time of
registration. to the value of $100. 4. Registered on the electoral roll, of the
District. That any male alien, who can read and write or speak the English,
Innguage, and who has been five years in the Colony, and is possessed of real
estate to the value of $100, and appears on the electoral roll, shall. be entitl-
ed to vote. aw
VII. That the Executive Council, as at present constituted, does not com-.
mand public confidence nor represent the country in the Government, is irre-.
Sponsible, or sfot accountable to the people for the administration of its re-
spective departments, and under the present constitution of the Colony is but
an echo of the Governor, and genérally antagonistic to the well-being of the
Colony; and that the:substitution therefor of an Exeeutive Council which holds
office only while it commands the cunfidence and support of a majority: jof, a
Representative Legislature, would be hailed with delight by the country, »;
Ifl. That the nominative character and official elements of the Legislative
Council render it unsuited to ‘a Coleny of free British subjects. That the Conn-
cil may be composed of twenty-three members, or merely # quorum, a8 the
Governor may decree. That the people have no right guaranteed to them by:
Statute or order in Conneil by which they may send representatives to partici-
pate in the deliberations of the Council as they would have were the Oouncil a
Representative Assembly, in the British sense of the term .‘‘Representative,”
inasmuch as the election of a member by the people does not insure him a
seat in the Council. That the people have no constitutional power to’pass’
good measures nor to stop the passage of bad measures, through the Couneili;
That the Legislative Council violates: a) fundamental principle,of the) British
Constitution by imposing taxes on the people without representation, ,; That it,
disregards public opinion and neglects public interests. That it, congents to
the niaintenance in officelof more officials than the country can afford or the
public service requires, That it concurs with the Executive in-an ‘extravagant
Oivil List, adding annually:to the Public Debt. That. the :non-representative
character of the: Council, the non-existence of a Representative) Assembly,
combined with mal-administration, have (by the discontent produced;).a ten,
dency to alienate the affections of the people from: the Crown, || That the offf+;
clais, the paid servants of: the public, rule the people: with irresponsible; an<:
thority; and tha¢ it is their interest to resist reform to retain office,: | Thatithe:
officials, who form a majority of the Council, vote.as the Exeoutive intir )
whenever required, and that, consequently, the majority. of the Council has no
real independence, is a sham Legislature, the Governor and Executive. Council,
being, Virtually the Legislature of the Colony.. That the. Legislative; Council,.
does not represent the people.of British Columbia, and trom, its nominative, and,,
dependent character, can never gain popular confidence .and, support, and, will,
always,be productive of popular discontent. That the people have no confid-..
ence in, the Council, and, will never be satisfied with the .congtitution, of the-
Legig,ature till a, Representatiye. Assembly is established... . & alt nedetnel

L. a
* Residence in,

majority. jof, a
e country,. +;
the Legislative
That the Conn-
quorum, a6 the
teed to them by:
tives % a
‘e the Council,
ae haha i
ot insure him a
y| Pott to pass’
gh the Oouneil;
of the: British
tation. | That it
t it, congents, to
in afford or the
an ‘extravagant’
-representative
oduced;) # tens,
| Dhat the offi. :
‘esponsible; ans:
fice; ; | Thatithe;
sutive intimates)
Council has po
cutive Council,
slattve; Council,
nominative and.,
ave, no confid-,..

titution, of the

7

IX. That one of the reasons why Union between Vancouver Island and Brit-
ish Columbia was sought was thats Supreme Court of Appeal for the wliole
Colony coulil be economically created. That the colonies were united two
years ago, and yet no Appellate Court hag been inaugurated. That as a con-
sequence of the continued separate existence of the Supremé Qourts of Van-
eouver Island and British Columbia confidence in those Courts respectively
hag been materially impaired. That itis the prevailing opinion that such con-
titiued separation of the Courts ard non-inauguration of a Supreme Court of
fPpeal has been due to more consideration for the personal interests of the

udges than for the general interests of Justice throughout the Colony.
*’X. That by appointing Stipendiary Magistrates and Gold Commissioners to
séats in the Legislative Council they are withdrawn from their respective dist-
ricts for long continuous periods, leaving such districts without any competent
authority to aid in the protection of life and property, and chereby virtually
declaring that such officers are not required.
*Y XT, That the salary, allowances and perquisites of the Governor Cope
thie sum of $20,000) are unreasonable and ought to be reduced to a figure pro-
brtionate to the ability ofthe Colony and the services rendered. That in ad-
Attion to the above salary and perquisites there is an annual interest of six per
éent. on $45,000. making the approximate cost of residence in Victoria, $2700.
That the salary of the Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of Ontario,’Ca-
hada, with a population of 1,500,000 is only $8000 per annum; and that there
ig nd good reason why the salary of the Governor of this Colony should’ ex-
éeed $10,000 per annum with a residence. That if the Governor's salary be
wen éd to that amount and the allowances, per¢uisites and extra assistance of
$00 be’ abolished, there would be an annual saving in the Governor's De-
ath nt of about $10,000.
"X11. That ‘the sulary of the Colonial Seeretary, $3,880 per year, is too high
and o' ght'to be reduced to a sum not exceeding $3000 per annum, thereby
laving $880, ‘That one clerk in the Colonial Secretary’s Department at a
ilary of $1800 is sufficient to meet the requirements of the public service.

Hat‘an assistant printer at $600 per annum is unnecessary. That the ‘total
saving by these reductions, without impaiting the efficie.cy of the public
serzice would be $3540. yd. :
XTIT.. ‘That the Uffice of Lands and Works is maintained at a great annual

Xpense, atiounting in'1868, for a Chicf Commissioner and three clerks, to
8490, and in former years to a far larger sum. That the gr ‘atest ignorance
revails in the department as to the lands in Vancouver Island and on tho
mainland, although a Land Office has been kept open in the former place sev-
enteen years, and in the latter for ten years. That nothing is done by the De-

i tb ‘to assist in the sale and eettlement of the public lands, except record-

ng afr re-emptions in Vancouver Island, and on’'the’ mainland the pre-
¢ ptibns tre’ recorded’ by the’ Magistrates. That @ few parcels'‘of Public
ands ‘até lensed for the purposes of trade, agriculture, lumbering’, and ‘min-
ing, dnd the rents collected for the same: That instalments on ‘lands sold’ or
‘e-empted ate collected.’ That a few maps are made or extended occasionally,
wt the Above incliides the'total services performed by this Department 'per-
initiy to land, and could all be transacted by one clerk. That the public
works carried on by the Department are confined to repairing roads, construct-
inf some small bridges, cutting out or keeping open a trail, or repairing or
enlarging a public building, and are either performed by contract’ or by tem-
portiry service. That the entire public works, inéluding map-making, Could
e well attended to by one competent civil engineer. That two competent
eserk$' or civil engineers to perform all the above,services efficiently and satis-
factorily, could be had for g
the permanent expenditure of the Department, amounting to’ $5490. That by

1500 each, and thus a saving could be made in,

8

connecting this Department with that of the Colonial Secretary, one civil en-
gineer would b. sufficient to transact all tho business, That, therefore, for
purposes of economy, it is expedient to abolish the office of Chief Commis.
sioner of Lands and Works and to reduce the permanent staff of the

ment to not more than two civil engineers, under the supervision of the Oo-
lonial Secretary.

XIV. That the duties of the Treasury can be performed under efficient checks
by two clerks ; that, therefore, one clerk should be discharged, thereby saving
$1200 per annum. i
- XV. That the Auditor's Department is too expensively conducted. That
two competent clerks can efficiently audit the publie accounts at a salary not
sregeins $1800 and $1500 respectively, thereby saving in this Department

1750. ;

XVI. That the office of Registrar General of Titles at Victoria is almosta
sinecure. That the incumbsut drews a salary of $2440 per year for a service
that notoriously does not vccupy him more than one hour a day ; yet the Gov-
ernment refuses to rcdnce the salary; on the contrary has raised it $485 in
1868, and persists in keeping the office separate instead of amalgamating it
with some other and thereby utilizing the services of the incumbent,
reports are industriously published by the Government that the office is nal
paying and ought, therefore, to be continued. But that is effected by impos-
ing a high tariff of charges for registering documents and thereby the office ig
made self-paying at the expense of those who register. That by affixing a sa-
lary to this office proportionate to the Iabor performed, the tariff of charges
for registration could be reduced four-fifths; that the Iabor employed in, tha
service is not worth more than $500 per annum. That by an altere.tion of lo-
cal statutes (if neeessary at all) so that the office may be umalgamated with
that of Registrar of the Supreme Court, Victoria, the whole time of the in-
cumbent might be employed, and at a salary of $1 800 per annum there would
be saved in this Department $700 and in the Supreme Court $1500, making a
total saving of $2200 perannum. That the office of Registrar of Titles might
be amalgamated with one of two other offices, yet retain all its efficiency and
secure economy in the expenditure. That the con.inuanceof this officer at the
present salary is a glaring public wrong.

XVII. That the office of Stipendiary Magistrate for New Westminster should
be abolished and that the duties shon!d be discharged by the Registrar General
of British Columbia, in addition to the duties of Post Master General.

XVIII. That the office of Harbour Master should be amalgamated with that
of the Customs Depertment, that a saving would thereby be effected of $1800,
without any public injury. Gage

XIX. That the salary of the Attorney General should be $1500 with prac.
tice, and that he be allowed a clerk at $1000. per year. NS Fe

XX. That reform in the office of Sheriff is essentially necessary, as it is vir-
tually a sinecure, without proper securities being filed i the Sheriff in case of
errors or losses in Civil suits. That a division of the Shrievalty into two or
more Sbrievalties, the incumbents giving bonds ina suitable amount for the
faithful performance of their duty, is required both for efficiency and security.
of the public. That the paying out of public monies as a bonus to the Sheriff
under present circumstances is a wasteful and wanton expenditure.

XXI. That the office of Chief Inspector of Police is not required, and there-
fore ought to be abolished.

Moved by Mr. DeCosmos and seconded by Mr. McMillan: That
the Report be received,—Carricd.

Moved by Mr. DeCosmos and seconded by Mr. McMillan : That

the Report be adopted.—Carried.

Ph. ee ee tee ee

it . coe <>

one civil ens
therefore, for
ry" Commis-
f the Depart-
on of the Oo-

ficient checks
hereby saving

Jucted. That
it a salary not
s Department

» fs almost a
r for a service
; yet the Gov-
d it $485 in
aaTgamating it
inbent, Tha
office is self,
ted by impos-
by the office ig
y affixing @ sa-
riff of charges
ployed in the
ltere.tion of lo-
Igamated with
time of the in-
mn there would
500, making a
of Titles might
efficiency and
is officer at the

ated with that
cted of $1800,

pO with prac.

yy a8 it ie vir.
eriff in case of

Adjourned till 11 a. m., 16th Septembor, 1868.

Pursuant to adjournment, Convontion mot at 11 a. m., on the
16th September.

The Secretary then read the Minutes of 14th inst.

Moved by Mr. DeCosmos and soconded by Mr. Barnard: That
the Minutes of 14th inst., as read, be adopted.—Carried.

The Secretary then read the Minutes of the 15'h inst.

Moved by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Mr. McMillan: That
the Minutes -! 15th inst., as read, be adopted.—Carricd.

The Secretary thon presented Report of Commitico on Busi-
ness. ind asked leavo to sit again.

Moved by, Mr. DeCosmos and seconded by Mr. Norris: That
epar of Business Committee bo received.—Carriod.

he Convention then adjourned till 2 p. m.

Pursuant to adjournment Convention met at 2 Ms m.

Moved by Mr. Barnard and seconded by Mr. Rose :- That the
Convention go into Committee of the Whole to consider the Re-
port of the Committee on Business.

The Chairman then nominated Dr. Brouso as Chairman of
Committee and left the Chair.

-On the Chairman resuming, Dr. Brouse reported the following
Resolutions :—

XXII. That there is no public necessity for keeping five extra Constables in
Cariboo at an annual expense of $3500 per year. That in the Lillooet-Clinton
District a Stipendiary Magistrate is not required, thereby saving $2400 per an-
num. That at Nanaimo, a Stipendiary Magistrate is not required, and the du-
ty of Deputy Collector of Customs there, with that of Postmaster, could be
i ea satisfactorily for $1000, saving thereby $1000. That in Lillooet,

linton and Nanaimo, Honorary Magistrates can discharge the duties of Just-
ice of the Peace. That the retrenchment that might be made by the Executive
under these beads is equal to $10,300 per year.

‘XXII. That the Supreme Court Judges should discharge the duties of Coun-
8 pant Judges, holding Court periodically in the different districts of the
‘olony.
XXIV. That the vote of $3000 in the Estimate. for expenses of Judge and
ret on Circuit, on the mainland of the Colouy, is exorbitant and calls
revision.
- XXV. That, including the reductions suggested and otier., which’ might
advantageeusly be adopted, a saving of about $60,000 in the annual expendi-
ture tor Civil Establishments may be made, without impairing in the least de-
gree the public service, or endangering in the least the securities for the pre-
Saeae of life and property, or the maintenance of order throughout the
olony.

XXVI. That the people of British Columbia are willing to bear patiently
the heavy financio’ burden imposed upon the country for the construction of
public works, amounting to nearly $150,000 annually; but they denounce the
extravagant expen‘iture by which a deficit was created in 1866, amounting to
about $170,000; and in 1867, $130,000. That these deficits were effected in
violation of the rule laid down by the Secretary of State for the Colonies in a
despatch dated April 30, 1846, viz.: That tue expenditure of the year must

ane ae

af

t0

be reduced to such an amount as muy be covered by the actual average receipts
of the past two years That the Estimates of 1868 violate this rule.

XXVIII. That the system of dividing and sub-dividing the public service in-
to departments, and placing such duties respectively in the hands of a. single
person, may be the proper mode to transact, public business in a rich and po-
pulous country. But to a Colony suchas British Columbia, wheté the Popula-
tion i very small, the financial resources: Proportionately limited, and the bu-
siness to be transacted under each head, but trifling, such a system, is wholly
ansuited, entailing too high an expenditure without increasing efficiency. ‘That
t i painly by, attempting to carry out this system and by keeping too lange a

tatt of dfficials at salaries disproportionate to the circumstances of the Colo-
ny that the public expenditure is annually unnecessarily increased. That it is,
sheretore, to amalgamation of Offices, reduction of the Civil List, and lower-
ing of Salaries that the people Jook for a reduction in, the current expenditure
for the support of Establishments. i?
“XXVIII. That the total population of British Columbia,. exclusive of Ins
dians, does not exceed 10,000; and that the number of Indians does not ex-
ceed 30,000. That the Indians; living chiefly by hunting and fishing, are not
individually on’ the average large consumers of:dutiable or taxable /commofit-
ie}.| That the highest estimate that could be placed.on the Indians as-consu~
mere is that three Indians consume as much as one white or civilized. pérson,
and that, consequently, the total Indian population is only equal to 10,000
white consumers. That a more correct estimate would in all probability. be
that'fite Thdians are equal to one’ white person, thereby making the total In.
dian inhabitants as consumers equal to 6000 whites: That (taking‘the highest
estimate fof: the; 1ndians as consumers) the total number of: cohsimers of datia+
ble and taxable commodities is 20,000. That in 1867 the revenye: without

gana was $475,250 and the average tax per head of the consumers $23 75.

Phat, the expenditure as reported to the Council as less than the actual expend

ture was ia 1867, $560,159, or $28 toeach consumer. That ont.of the ex-

lat the estimated revenue of 1863 is $576,000 or nearly $29 to each consumer.

bat the estimated expenditure of 1868 is $572,553 or $28,60 to.ceach consumes
er, That the total amount appropriated for public works out of the $372,55
is $55,300. That out of tho latter sum there has been about $12,000 expended
n unnecessary additions to the Governor’s residence and the Land Ofice,
whilst necessary improvements to roads and bridges to advance the interests o
farmers and settlement generally ave deferred. That the return made, to the
egislative Council in 1868 by His Excellency the Governor, comparing the
Qustoms’ Tariffs of England, United States, Canada and other colonies and
sun tite is fallacious, if intended to show that British Colnmbia is not.taxed
igher than other countries. That the fallacy is apparent’ when it is observed
that the average annual tax per head in Canada is only $3 50, whilatthe aver.
age tax fo each consumer m British Columbia, in 1867 was $23.75, and that
pr Ree 1868 is $29 to cach consumer. ¢ That home productions, other thas
o the

pandiiane of $560,159 in 1867, only $52,000 were expended in public works,
ui

old, in this Colony are not so advanced as in the countries enumerated in

8 oh) and that, consequently, there is a larger average consumption. here.of
utiable commodities and a correspondingly higher tax paid by each consumer,
That with tariff, internal revenue dues, road tolls, &c., taxation is high and gp-
pressive. . That after paying the interest and sinking fund on tke public debt,
nearly fall the revenue is consumed non-productively. That retrenchment is
therefore demanded by the united voice of the people of British Columbia.

. XXIX. That it is the duty of the Executive to institute the most, thorough
retrenchment.in the expendiinre, and cause to. be amended and repealed. all
gtqtntes or ordinances that interfere with econgivy in the publi¢ service.
XX. That miners and capitalists during the last tén years have been sub-

SOV dell tNial deo eawancnd Geen aeakd SSIs alee,

ul average receipts
this rule.

public service in-
hands of a Single
ina rich and po-
wheté the Popula-
mited, and the ‘bu-
system, is wholly
ng aflolancy ‘That
eoping too large &
Mech be the Golo-
‘eased. That it is,
il List, and lower-
urrent expenditure

- exclusive of J
dian’ does not ‘ex-
1d fishing, are ‘not
taxable ‘commodit-
. Indians as;consu~
r civilized. person,
nly equal to 10,000

all probability ‘be
naking the total Ine
(taking: the highest
consiimers of datia-
1e_ revenne: without
consumers $23 75.

the actual expend~
That out.of the ex-
1 in public works,
9 to each fone:
60 to.each consum
out of the $372, B08
it $12,000 exp
snd the Land 0 ct
pnce the. intereate 0 )
return made. to the
nor, comparing the
other nglon}ty tae
nmbia is no
when is observed
whilat: ay ar
Seta Y 5, and that
eae other than,
$ anamngem et in the
onsumption, here.of
d by each consumer,
tion is high and op-
on the, public debt,
hat retrenchment is
ritish Columbia. ,

the most thorough
sd and repealed all
ca service.
ears have been sub

ll

ject to the greatest inconvenience and. delays in securing copper and ‘silver
bearing quartz veins, under buch a tenure and with such facilities. ss: would
offer reasonable security for the investment of capital ; that the noh-emistence
of a general law on the subject and the obstacles interposed by the; Govern+
ment have tended to prevent the investment ot capital in the country and re-
tarded the development of its mineral. xésources. That the énactmont'of a
law under which a limited extent of any copperor silver bearing. quartz viens)!
free from Royalties, onerous laws, and taxations, may be taken upand héld ‘by
any One or more persons, under reasonable zonditions of working; is abbolnter
ly essential to the investment of capital in such enterprises.

(XXXI_. That: religion,. humanity and, public opinion demand that, due and,
proper ccnsideration be paid to the Indian population, with a view:to! their
preseryation and the improvement: of. tiieir; moral, intellectual and: material
condition... That.beyond making reservations of land, Government has) done:
nothing for them. That in.many instances the Indian Reserves are large ‘and
valuable tracts of agricultural land. That such lands though situated in dist-:
ricts where they would be'cultivated by settlers, remain unimproved by the
Indians, excep! the occasional, cultivation of a small patch. . That settlers are
prohibited occupying them. That such Reserves are consequently neither pro«
perly utilized by the Indians nor by settlers.;,: That it:is incumbent, therefore;
on the Government to establish such regulations!as ‘would: utilize ‘the'Indian:
Reseryes}and appropriate the proceeds to the benefit of the Indians. ||

SXXIL That the people of British Columbia, recognizing the principle the
it isithe imperative duty of the State to provide for education, earnestly desire
theiimmediate establishmont of|a national system of popular education, baged
upon broad non-sectarian principles, and that the non-existence of any rec
mee system of education applicable to the whole Colony, is discreditable to
thé‘ Government, '

XXXIII. That while itis apparent to any disinterested person that rettendh-
ment in:the public service could be made by which-about $60,000. ot the'an-
nual expenditure could be, saved) without impairing, the efficiency of the:pub=!
lic service, yet the Government persists in imposing Road Tolls on morse
ize.passing between Yale and Cariboo, that amount to $60,000 per annu
That thé continuance of the Road Tolls and the resistance offered to, retreni
ment by the Exccutive are grave acts of misgovernment.

\KXXIV. That- a Reciprocal Commercial Treaty between the United States
and-England;, by which the lumber, coal, fish and. other rew productions of;
British | Womb and the United States may be entered duty free for home cone,
sumption i in tho ports’ of the last named countries respectively, wold,
powerful stimulant to industrwin this Colony. That it ‘is, theréfore,
ient to urgé upon the attention of the Local'and Inperial Governments th
sirability of taking immediate steps to: secure; such /a) commercial’ privi
whilst the Reciprocity Treaty between Canada and the United States is; wet or
consideration.

XXXV. That though there has always been, a large staff of officials connect-
od with the office» of Lands and Works, and notwithstanding there are vast
areas of good unoccupied agricultural: and, grazing lands’ in: the’ Oolény, the
country but sparsely populated, the imports of agricultural produce and stock
large, and the prices of agricultural productions highly remunerative, yet the
Executive has never made any systematic and continuous effort to invite im-
migration, or induce people to engage in agriculture. That the apathy and in-
dolence of the Government respecting the settlement of the public lands is
therefore totally indefensible.

XXXVI. That free grants°of ‘at least 320’acres of land ought to be offered
to actual settlers upon the public. lands, and that the Executive should spare
no effort in inviting immigration und facilitating the settlement of the country.

mm ie neces a

ae

12

XRXVIlI. That the vote of the Legislative Council, refusing to pass an Ad
dress to Her Majesty the Queen’ respecting the Confederation of this Colony:
with Canada, 1s not endorsed by the country; but is opposed’ to 98 well-tin.’
derstood wishes of the people of British Co umbis.: i oy

-- The Uonvention further resolved :-—~

1. That an Address be prepared and sent to Her Majesty the Ques, praying
for the Reforms enumerated in these resolutions.

%. That an Address to the Governor Generai of Canada be prepared: ana:
transmitted, urging Confederation on the terms proposed.

3. That an Address be transmitted to His Excellency the Governor, acconiy.
panied ‘by a copy of these resolutions, praying that the, Reforms’ therein con-

may be initiated and perfected. 1 NOT

4. That a Petition to the Imperial Parliament be prepared and circulated fori
signature throughout the Colony, and transmitted to'some prominent Member’
of Parliament for presentation, yc Te by the: resolutions’ of ‘this: Cons:
vention. sel

5. That an Executive Committee be appointed, with fall authority to’ call’
conventions, communicate with the Imperial, Canadian and local Governments,
to prepare and transmit the addresses and petitions above alluded’ to, and ‘to’
take any measures they may deem.’ expedient to secure the Reforms. enumers!
ated in'the resolutions of the Convention. :

The following Committee was appointed to carry out the objects of: the!
Convention :—Messrs. De Cosmos, McMillan, Wallace and Norris of Victoria;
Havelock of Yale; John Robson of New Westminster, and F. J. Barnard.

Moved by’ Mr. Norris and seconded by Mr. Robson : ‘That the’

rt be received.—-Carried.
oved by Mr. Norris and seconded by Mr. Robson: ‘That ‘the!
rt, of Business Committee be adopted.—Carried... .
oved by Mr. Barnard and seconded by Mr. Smith: ‘That the:
following gentlemen be an Hxecutive Committee in accordance’
with the 5th Resolution :
Messrs. A. DeCosmos, R. Wallace, J. E. McMillan, J. G. N orris,;

John Robson, H. Havelock, and F. J.. Barnard.

Moved by Mr. Norris and seconded by Mr. Armstrong: That
the thanks of the Convention be tendered to the steamboat own-"
ers and stage proprietor, and that the Secretary be instructed to:
communicate the sane.—Carried.

© cheers were then proposed and" given for the Queen.: ;

.oLhree cheers were then proposed and given for the Dominion. :

7*Moved by Mr. Robson and seconded by Mr: Barnard : ‘That Mae
Convention adjourn.—Carried.

waite Sy. WALLACE, Cuatnuan,, eo hs

CHA L A 9 Wi
HENRY HAVELOCK, i a aa diel pha

Baitise Covumpuan Print; New Westminster, B, C,

Bes pass afi Ad-
of this Colony
"10 the well-une
wi fay RY ;
Lstrarovsid tink

© Queen, pruying
be prepared: and’

THE AG SO wate)
Jovernor, ‘secon
ms’ therein -con-

TSH Ye EO
ahd circulated for!
rominent Member
ons of ee

og tL
axiMirtop der call
cal Govern
juded® to, and 0)

the objects of the:
he obj Victoria;
Bode ‘Barnard. a

son + That t (i

ay

+

aa Least the; |

ea wr he Rc ERNIE

the Queen... ii
Q 2 Dominion.
: That ‘this’
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